2002 Dodge Dakota vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 2002 Dodge Dakota is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 641 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Dodge Dakota (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Dakota | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Escort |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2400 mm |
